Canada Braces for Hotter Summer Ahead
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has forecasted above-average temperatures for most of Canada this summer. Jennifer Smith, a national warning preparedness meteorologist, highlighted that while the temperatures are expected to be higher than usual, the exact degree of increase and continuity of these temperatures remain uncertain. Expect typical summer fluctuations, including heat waves and cool spells.
Geographically, the North, northern Saskatchewan, Manitoba, southern Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces will likely experience the most significant temperature increases. Coastal British Columbia is the only region forecasted to have near-normal or below-average temperatures.
When it comes to precipitation, the outlook is less clear. Some regions, such as coastal B.C., may see above-normal precipitation, while southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, northern Ontario, and Nova Scotia could experience below-average rainfall. However, no definitive trend is predicted for the rest of the country.
Human-induced climate change is a significant factor contributing to the rising temperatures, leading to economic losses, environmental damage, and deaths. To better inform the public, ECCC has introduced new services, including an updated air quality health index and a daily smoke forecast map. Additionally, ECCC will provide rapid event attributions to assess the impact of human-caused climate change on severe weather events in Canada, with a turnaround time of about seven days.